Specializations
Focused Areas of Study for the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
Champlain’s online M.Ed. program allows you to choose one of three 12-credit specializations (Administration, Special Education, or Teaching) in order to gain a deeper understanding of a specific area of the field. You can tailor your program to expand your knowledge, become a better teacher, advance your career, or make a greater contribution to the field.
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Special Education Specialization
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The myriad of challenges facing early educators in supporting children and families with special needs require more specialized training in order to understand and approach issues of inclusion. The Special Education Specialization combines the disciplines of early childhood education and special education while maintaining the focus on play in connection with both learning and development. Students in this specialization:
- Engage in instructional planning for diverse learners, including children who are not developing typically, children who are English language learners, and children who have challenging behaviors.
- Examine, use, and critique tools used for identifying, evaluating, and assessing developmental delays or at-risk status in young children.
- Develop methods and strategies to support individual and group behavior management, as well as self-regulation, pro-social skills, and positive interactions.
- Learn how to design accommodating environments for different types of learners, particularly inclusive classrooms.
Courses in This Specialization Currently Include:
- GEE 550: Early Identification & Assessment of Diverse Learners
- GEE 551: Developing a Curriculum for Diverse Learners
- GEE 552: Designing Environments for Diverse Learners
- GEE 553: Behavior Analysis & Intervention
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Teaching Specialization
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Teachers who are reflective, purposeful, and adaptive to diverse learners in their instruction and possess sensitivity to the multicultural environments in which children develop are highly desired in the early childhood education field. The Teaching Specialization provides education professionals with advanced-level early childhood education theory and practice through hands-on and dynamic coursework you can integrate into your school or program. Students in this specialization:
- Study language acquisition and literacy development in a child's first and additional languages.
- Examine the relationship between child development and curriculum design for infants and toddlers.
- Analyze teaching and learning kindergarten through grade three classrooms and curriculum design, including DAP, multicultural perspectives, and content assessment strategies.
- Explore theories and practices in teaching math and science in early childhood education and develop an integrated math and science curriculum.
Courses in This Specialization Currently Include:
- GEE 520: Early Language & Literacy
- GEE 522: Teaching Kindergarden through Third Grade & Practicum
- GEE 524: Infant & Toddler Development & Curriculum with Project
- GEE 532: Math & Science for Young Children
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Administration Specialization
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There is a desperate need for professional administration of early childhood programs—yet few degrees offer a focus in educational management. The Administration Specialization encourages leadership in the field by developing the skills and perspectives needed for effective early childhood program management. Students in this specialization:
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Develop an understanding of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and discover how to integrate it into their program's curriculum.
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Learn essential skills in professional human resources management in early childhood organizations and settings.
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Explore elements of program administration, including grant writing, licensing regulations, program philosophies, early childhood ethics, and staff empowerment.
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Gain understanding of the unique financial challenges and needs faced by early childhood programs, and assess applications of financial management tools.
Courses in This Specialization Currently Include:
- GEE 540: Curriculum for Administrators
- GEE 541: HR in the Early Childhood Setting
- GEE 542: Administration of Early Childhood Programs
- GEE 543: Financial Management in the Early Childhood Setting
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